I’m often asked, “Do you like spicy food?” My pat answer is “No, I prefer my taste buds in working order.”

Truthfully, I enjoy spicy food if it’s well-balanced. If the heat dominates the other flavors, then what’s the point? You might as well suck on a habanero.

Congrats to the folks at Sunshine for finding that elusive balance between heat and flavor in their new Cheez-It crackers.

Now somebody get the darn addictive things off my desk.

Jim Hillibish: SPATULA UP

I heard crackers rustling at Saimi’s cubicle, then sighs of joy. That got me moving.

The new Cheez-It Pepper Jack crackers, adding that flavor to its traditional product, are a home run. Even those who shun peppers may adore them.

They add a bold flavor with the pepper-jack cheese (the kind with the bits of hot peppers). First crunch is very cheesy, then comes the aftereffect of the peppers. It’s not going to make you run to the water cooler. It’s just a nice warmth on the tongue.

My only gripe is the box — 13.7 ounces is too small. We need at least a two-pounder around here.